As the 60th Grammy Awards approaches, this year's list of nominees features a wide range of well-known and up-and-coming artists.
Many of these artists have broken free from the mainstream music machine to present their work via independent labels.
Independent artists make up 55% of nominations in all non-producer and non-spoken word categories, with 43 of the 81 categories being a majority of independent nominees.
Independent artists make up 55% of nominations in all non-producer and non-spoken word categories, with 43 of the 81 categories being a majority of independent nominees.
In the Jazz field, independents comprise a whopping 92% of artists nominated, and take home 80% of the nominations in both the American Roots and Composing/Arranging categories.
Special congrats to A2IM members Concord Music Group (12 nominations), Mack Avenue (8 nominations), Naxos (7 nominations), Beggars Group (5 nominations), Ninja Tune/Counter Records (4 nominations) and to Big Machine, Compass Records, Eleven Seven Music, Numero Group and Sub Pop, who are all bringing home 3 nominations this year.
You can find the full list of independent nominations here, including even more from A2IM members.
A2IM, the advocacy group for independent labels and their artists, is excited to see such a large number of independent artists being recognized by the Recording Academy.
A2IM, the advocacy group for independent labels and their artists, is excited to see such a large number of independent artists being recognized by the Recording Academy.
"Independent music is doing better than ever with a record global market share of 37.32% according to Billboard. Last year more than two-thirds of Grammy nominations were independent releases. Independent music's authenticity, vitality, and genre diversity ensure its keystone role in the recording industry and American culture. A2IM thanks the Recording Academy and its members for its inclusiveness," A2IM CEO Richard James Burgess said.For years, A2IM's mission has been to take independent music "beyond the gatekeepers," allowing independent artists the same opportunities, media attention, and airplay as the biggest players in the music industry.
Through its advocacy efforts, the organization has fought to ensure that independent artists are paid the money they deserve.
A2IM has also taken independent music international, promoting artists in places such as Latin America and Asia.
In addition to this, A2IM's annual Indie Week gives artists and labels a forum to gain insight into best practices while providing a space to network with those who have experience in traversing the music scene.
A2IM currently boasts 511 label members - the highest since its inception - and with its rapidly growing numbers, the organization continues to impact the music scene at the Grammy Awards and beyond.
If you're a member of the Recording Academy, A2IM encourages you to vote independent.
A2IM currently boasts 511 label members - the highest since its inception - and with its rapidly growing numbers, the organization continues to impact the music scene at the Grammy Awards and beyond.
If you're a member of the Recording Academy, A2IM encourages you to vote independent.
You can check out the A2IM Independent Voter Guide for final round voting here.
Final-Round Voting begins on Dec. 7 at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time, and closes on Dec. 21 at 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
